The editor shuffles forward…… Around thirteen years ago in 2006, an Alan Johnson presented us with photocopies of this 19th century sketchbook diary , Alan, retired and living in Spain had had the copies in his possession since the 1950’s. … Read More

Walter Dutton – update October 2016 With the publication of the 1911 census, we now know more of the sad ending of the life of Walter Henry Dutton, the artistic author of the 1887 Sketchbook Diary. Walter died aged 47 … Read More

The Last Ride of 1887 This last ride was possibly via Prescot to Whiston, which is a little NW of Rainhill and where the road runs parallel to the Liverpool-Manchester railway line (see 3rd sketch) and is about IX miles … Read More

Safety Cycles over “Things” The Exhibition referred to was possibly the Royal Victoria Jubilee Exhibition, which was held in Edge Lane, Liverpool, not far from where Walt lived. Note ‘War Cycle’ on a wheel in the second sketch. The high-wheel … Read More

Health Tour 3rd Day – return home to Liverpool. Seidlitz is the generic name for powders manufactured as a laxative and digestion regulator. Walt’s hiding lark (7th sketch) presumably took place at Bold. It seems possible the telegram sent to … Read More